With approximately 13,150 men and women being diagnosed with breast cancer in Texas alone and 180,510 new cases that will be diagnosed in 2010 nationwide, Brown County Commissioners acknowledged the importance of awareness proclaiming October 2010 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Brown County.

County Judge Ray West read some statistics, including the above numbers, related to breast cancer.  2,030 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men this year.  Although the percentage of cases in women has decreased 16% this year, for men the numbers have increased by 15%.

Cheryl Nelson, Brown County Tax Assessor brought the proclamation for consideration and also brought interesting information about a group of women from Brown County (Texas Trails Chili cook-off team) that participates each year in the 40th Annual Ladies State Championship Chili & BBQ Cook-off in Waco which benefits the Susan G. Komen with 80% of its proceeds, totaling $7000 this year.  At this event there were booths related to cancer awareness and prevention.

A wreath decorated with pink roses and ribbons is hung each year at the courthouse in recognition of Cancer Awareness month.  It is hanging at the County Court entrance rather than on the exterior of the courthouse due to security issues.  The wreath held by Judge West and Cheryl Nelson is pictured above and the picture of the wreath as displayed in the courthouse is below.